To support projects in the energy infrastructure sector, a freelance electrical engineer with a focus on high and ultra-high voltage is sought as a Primary Planner (m/f/d). The projects include grid connection of generation plants (especially wind and solar farms) as well as the construction and conversion of substations.
Typical areas of responsibility in this role:**
Development of primary technical concepts and layouts for air- and gas-insulated high and ultra-high voltage switchgear (AIS/GIS) from 110 kV to 380 kV.
Design and sizing of primary equipment (circuit breakers, disconnectors, instrument transformers, transformers, etc.).
Preparation of single-line diagrams, one-line overview and arrangement diagrams.
Performing short-circuit and load flow calculations as well as sizing grounding systems and lightning protection.
Technical clarification and coordination with clients, grid operators, authorities and suppliers.
Preparation of technical specifications and tender documents for primary equipment.
Coordination with other disciplines such as secondary equipment, civil engineering and control systems.
Support during commissioning and acceptance of the systems.
Relevant technologies, tools or methods:**
Planning software: AutoCAD, Primtech, REVIT, EPLAN.
Calculation tools: PowerFactory (DIgSILENT), NEPLAN, or manufacturer-specific tools.
Standards & regulations: VDE-AR-N 4120 (TAR High Voltage), IEC standards, EN standards.
Project management tools: MS Project, Jira.
BIM (Building Information Modeling) in plant engineering.
Typical KPIs or success metrics:**
Planning quality: Number of required plan revisions after approval < 5%.
Adherence to deadlines: Compliance with planning milestones according to the overall project schedule.
Cost efficiency: Adherence to budget targets for the planned primary equipment.
Technical compliance: Successful system acceptance by the grid operator without primary technical deviations.
Interface management: Smooth coordination, measured by the number of delays in other disciplines caused by planning errors.
Special challenges, risks or specifics:**
High complexity and safety requirements in the high and ultra-high voltage sector.
Necessity to strictly comply with the grid connection guidelines (TAR) of the respective grid operators.
Long lead times and price fluctuations for large primary equipment components.
Coordination in confined spaces, especially during retrofit works.
Increasing requirements due to the integration of renewable energies (e.g., reactive power management, FRT behavior).
Ensuring physical safety and occupational health and safety in design.
Concrete work outputs (“Deliverables”):**
Approval-ready primary technical planning documents (layouts, views, sections).
Final single-line diagrams and overview schematics.
Technical calculation reports (e.g., short-circuit strength, grounding).
Prepared bills of quantities and technical specifications for procurement.
Minutes of technical coordination meetings.
Revision documents and as-built documentation.
Must-Haves:**
Degree in electrical engineering (Dipl.-Ing./Master/Bachelor) with a focus on power engineering or a comparable qualification (e.g., technician with many years of experience).
Several years of professional experience in primary technical planning of high and ultra-high voltage switchgear (110 kV and above).
Very good knowledge of relevant standards and regulations, in particular the VDE application rules (TAR High Voltage).
Confident use of CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, Primtech) and ideally calculation software (e.g., DIgSILENT PowerFactory).
Nice-to-Haves:**
Experience in planning grid connections for renewable energies (wind/PV).
Knowledge in secondary or control technology of switchgear.
Experience in project management or sub-project management.
Knowledge of BIM methods.
Personal attributes and mindset:**
Strong enthusiasm for technology and a highly precise and detail-oriented working style.
Analytical and systematic thinking to solve complex technical challenges.
Strong communication and teamwork skills for interdisciplinary collaboration.
High degree of responsibility and reliability.
Willingness and ability to continuously familiarize oneself with new technologies and standards.